Polygamous community defends its belief system
 
Canadian Press
Fort Frances Times
 
The women of a polygamous community in Bountiful have turned the tables on their tormentors, striking back at their critics during a packed three-hour presentation described as a polygamy summit by the Mormon splinter group that held it.

"We are women that have chosen the Bountiful lifestyle," said Leah Barlow, a registered nurse and midwife. "We love it and we believe in it. We know better than any of you what our culture is like."

"It’s not for everyone, but for us it’s the right choice and we wouldn’t change it for anything in the world."

The meeting on Tuesday at a local recreation centre, attended by about 300 people, heard from a dozen wives from the community who argued they have been victimized by "myths and misconceptions."

Winston Blackmore, the self-proclaimed Bishop of Bountiful, addressed the meeting near the end, but he refused to say how many wives or children he had.

"I have married several young wives in my life," he said.

Polygamy has been openly practised for more than 60 years in the fundamentalist Mormon community of 1,000 people in Bountiful in southeastern B.C.

Last summer, B.C. Attorney General Geoff Plant announced the start of an RCMP investigation into allegations of child abuse, forcible marriage, and sexual exploitation.

No charges have been laid.

The Idaho legislature recently formed an interim committee to investigate rumours of Mexican "baby" brides being sold to men in southern Idaho and allegations of border crossings by young brides for the community.

Often only giving their first names, the women said they were the victims of prejudice and discrimination for their beliefs.

"We, the women of our community, will not be silent any more," said Zelpha. "Bountiful is not a closed community. It used to be somewhat but that was because of persecution."

The audience was made up of people largely friendly to the community, but one woman from Cranbrook said she found it one-sided.

"It was very controlled, and I think the men are hiding behind their plural wives," said Nora Minnie.

The women denied allegations of trafficking in child brides, underage marriage, sexual abuse, and welfare fraud.
 
fftimes.com
Originally published April 21, 2005
 
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